David Miller fought a lone battle for South Africa in the semi-final clash against Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday, November 16. Miller scored a fighting century under pressure and helped South Africa post 212 in 49.4 overs. The southpaw produced one of the best innings of the ongoing World Cup as things were not going in the Proteas’ favour when he came out to bat.
Miller scored 101 runs off 116 balls as he made sure the Proteas didn’t get embarrassed by getting all out under 200 in a semi-final clash of a World Cup. He used his experience well and flourished under pressure by playing sensible cricket. He breached the triple-figure mark with a maximum over mid-wicket.
He also became the first South African batsman to score a century in World Cup knockouts.
Highest individual scores for SA in World Cup knockouts
101 – David Miller vs AUS, Kolkata, 2023 SF
82 – Faf du Plessis vs NZ, Auckland, 2015 SF
78* – Quinton de Kock vs SL, Sydney, 2015 QF
However, two balls later, Cummins was celebrating when he had Miller caught by Travis Head at deep square leg.
The cricket fraternity and fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter hailed Miller for his terrific knock.
One of the best by David Miller under pressure that to in the knock out games. #AUSvsSA— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 16, 2023
David Miller had nerves of steel when the whole sa team collapsed. Wat a man! #ausvsa #SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/QEKjdqQkHu— gαנαℓ (@Gajal_Dalmia) November 16, 2023
One man army by David Miller !#SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/Ett1emR9uY— Haroon (@Haroon_HMM) November 16, 2023
Taking team from 24/4 to a fighting 200+ total by scoring a century. David Miller pic.twitter.com/txi5ivHkCS— !_ (@bholination) November 16, 2023
This has to be one of the best innings of this #CWC2023 ! David miller take a bow ! Under pressure , coming at no 6 , 4 down ! Played the situation perfectly ! And I say this again , you can only witness such greatness in ODI format … it must thrive & be promoted . #miller…— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) November 16, 2023
Great job Aust with the ball and in the field. Miller with one of the best tons I’ve seen in a World Cup. 213 to win for Aust may not be as straight forward as it looks on a tricky pitch.— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) November 16, 2023
.@DavidMillerSA12 battled till the end and delivered a masterclass under pressure to set up a target that offers a glimmer of hope. Will be interesting to see how the bowlers step up to defend this total.#CWC23 #AUSVSA— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) November 16, 2023
Earlier, Australia fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood took two wickets each to rip through South Africa’s top order before rain came to the Proteas’ rescue.
Left-arm quick Starc sent back skipper Temba Bavuma for a fourth-ball duck in the first over and soon Hazlewood had the in-form Quinton de Kock caught for three.
The new-ball bowlers kept up the attack with the wickets of Aiden Markram (10) and Rassie van der Dussen (six) to reduce South Africa to 24-4 after the Proteas elected to bat under cloudy skies.
After the rain break, Miller and Heinrich Klaasen (47) tried to put the Proteas back on track with a solid 95-run stand. However, Travis Head’s double strike once again put South Africa on the back foot.
Miller joined hands with Gerald Coetzee and stitched a 53-run stand for the seventh wicket.
The southpaw reached his ton off 115 balls as he smashed Australian skipper Pat Cummins for six over deep-wicket.
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